Self IMPROVment … Richard Laible President Laible Productions, Inc. In 3rd grade Richard Laible sent away for a Magic Kit from the back of a box of cereal. He ended up paying his way through college as a magician then began doing stand-up comedy after he graduated. He went back to school for another degree in Nursing in Detroit and heard about a class from the Director of The Second City who was also the Acting Coach on Saturday Night Live its first 4 years. He immediately quit Nursing School, moved to Chicago, studies The Harold with Del Close, helped open The Annoyance Theater and eventually got hired as an actor at The Second City. He also became a Creative Director of Second City Communications and in 1999 incorporated and now Emcees Fortune 500 meetings and presents at their trade shows. Self improvement RichardLaible.com

Your time is important Thanks for having me Self improvement RichardLaible.com

IMPROVment Buddy Self improvement RichardLaible.com

EVERYONE Improvises Who Improvises? But I don’t know or can I know what each of you do or exactly how this applies Self improvement RichardLaible.com

RULES OF IMPROVISATION Presence Active listening Yes, and … Make your partner(s) look good Don’t ask questions, make assumptions Work to the top of your intelligence Be honest Trust yourself, trust your partner Give & take Relax & be yourself Don’t critique Play against the character Etc. There are no rules? Self improvement RichardLaible.com

RULES OF IMPROVISATION Presence Active listening Yes, and … Mirror One word story Self improvement RichardLaible.com

RULES OF IMPROVISATION Presence Active listening Yes, and … Self improvement RichardLaible.com

BEING IN THE MOMENT Self improvement RichardLaible.com

BEING IN THE MOMENT “Do everything with a mind that lets go. Don’t accept praise or gain or anything else. If you let go a little you a will have a little peace; if you let go a lot you will have a lot of peace; if you let go completely you will have complete peace. ” ― Ajahn Chah Self improvement RichardLaible.com

BEING IN THE MOMENT “Clinton looked me in the eye and seemed to have a genuine interest in what I was saying. His gaze never left me. He made me feel like the most important person in the room.” - ‘Business Week’ article about how great listeners make great leaders, a reporter who has interviewed CEOs and leaders round the world was asked who was the most inspiring person he has met Self improvement RichardLaible.com

BEING IN THE MOMENT MIRROR Self improvement RichardLaible.com

There are no mistakes… only OPPORTUNITIES. BEING IN THE MOMENT Self improvement RichardLaible.com

BEING IN THE MOMENT Self improvement RichardLaible.com

RULES OF IMPROVISATION Presence Active listening Yes, and … Self improvement RichardLaible.com

Active Listening Kid talked nonstop, wow moment - Says answers before I can answer, keeps talking   Kate “Finally” - good listening at parties, squeeze hand How my mouth gets me in trouble Self improvement RichardLaible.com

LISTEN 60 seconds Self improvement RichardLaible.com

Active listening Self improvement RichardLaible.com

ONE WORD STORY Your story is my story Self improvement RichardLaible.com

Active listening Pairs - find 3 things you have in common. New partner - find 3 things you have in common a little deeper than that Newer partner - find 3 things you have in common…but this time you can’t speak. The level of attention and sensory acuity increases because you have to be present to see everything....and other stuff. Self improvement RichardLaible.com

RULES OF IMPROVISATION Presence Active listening Yes, and … Self improvement RichardLaible.com

RULES OF IMPROVISATION Presence Active listening Yes, and … Self improvement RichardLaible.com

Yes, and … To accept what another has stated and then expand on that line of thinking to ultimately build something bigger together. Self improvement RichardLaible.com

Yes, and … Self improvement RichardLaible.com

Yes, and … Why the “and”? AND means don’t be afraid to contribute. It’s your responsibility to contribute. Always make sure you’re adding something to the discussion. Your initiations are worthwhile. Self improvement RichardLaible.com

Yes, and … “There are people who prefer to say 'yes' and there are people who prefer to say 'no'. Those who say 'yes' are rewarded by the adventures they have. Those who say 'no' are rewarded by the safety they attain.”  ― Keith Johnstone Self improvement RichardLaible.com

RULES OF IMPROVISATION Presence Active listening Yes, and … PUT THEM ALL TOGETHER Self improvement RichardLaible.com

Be an anthropologist with yourself and others Change is gradual Observe Be an anthropologist with yourself and others Self improvement RichardLaible.com

Have FUN! Self improvement RichardLaible.com